A long-term PPA has been secured to serve the power needs of The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), which is the largest municipal utility in the United States. Initial construction, which has commenced, will proceed in two phases with the goal of starting operations in 2022 and will reach full operational capabilities in 2023. 8minute will continue to develop the project in all respects and will also oversee construction. 8minute also has a right to re-purchase a portion of the project at commercial operation.
The Eland Solar & Storage Center is located 70 miles north of Los Angeles close to California City. The project is expected to create 700 jobs during a 12-month construction period.
Benoit Allehaut, managing director on Capital Dynamics' Clean Energy Infrastructure team, said, "We are delighted to partner with 8minute Solar Energy on Eland. Once operational, the solar project will be the second largest in the U.S.”
"Capital Dynamics brings tremendous expertise and significant financial resources for construction to the table, which makes them excellent long-term owners and partners," said Dr. Tom Buttgenbach, president and CEO of 8minute. "Eland is a breakthrough project, setting records for low-cost solar, and incorporates a large battery energy storage center that demonstrates solar's ability to power California's vibrant and growing economy 24/7. “
